About Rhythms of the World

Led by volunteers, Rhythms of the World (ROTW) is a registered charity that aims to unite diverse communities through music and the arts. We achieve this by organising a range of cultural events, culminating in an annual festival of world music, dance, arts and cuisine in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

The Rhythms of the World festival has evolved into one of the most significant – and best value – world music festivals in the UK, attracting up to 30,000 visitors to the two-day event. People of all ages and backgrounds come from Hertfordshire and beyond to see local community talent perform alongside artists from around the world. Here’s a taste of the Rhythms of the World festival from 2011:

In addition to the annual festival, we bring elements of the Rhythms of the World ethos to people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the event’s spirit through our Rhythms of the World Community Outreach Programme. It is one of our charitable objectives to provide a stimulus to the arts in the region and we aim to involve people from across the community – different ages, races, backgrounds, abilities and musical tastes. Our Community Outreach Programme involves local schools and community groups in the arts, whilst our events entitled Rhythms of the World Presents take the festival ethos to a wider audience through a range of musical performances.

Mission

Rhythms of the World (ROTW) is a registered charity with the following objectives:

To provide an opportunity for people to engage in community activity

To provide a bridge of common interest and meaningful interchange between different community groups

To provide a stimulus to the arts in the region

To provide an outlet for the energies of young people

To educate

To raise the national profile of the area as a cultural and commercial centre